Ryan O'Marra

2006-07 Update: March 1, 2007: Ryan O'Marra went 7-6-13 in 11 games played with the Saginaw Spirit during the month of February. He was a +12. O'Marra recorded the first goal of the game in a 9-0 win vs. his former team the Erie Otters on Feb. 3rd. He scored two game winning goals in February: Feb. 9th in a 7-2 win at the Guelph Storm and Feb. 16th in a 2-1 OT win vs. the Sarnia Sting. O'Marra was unsuccessful in a shootout attempt on Feb. 25th in a 3-2 win vs. the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He went on a 6 game point scoring streak in which he went 5-4-9 from Feb. 3rd to 18th. On February 27, 2007 O'Marra was traded by the New York Islanders along with prospect Robert Nilsson and a 2007 first round draft pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for all star LW Ryan Smyth. In his first game with Saginaw following the trade O'Marra recorded 2 points in a win and got into a fight with Sault Ste. Marie D Brad Good. Saginaw posted a record of 8-2-1 during the month of February.

February 1, 2007: Ryan O'Marra went 4-5-9 in 9 games played with the Saginaw Spirit during the month of January. Three of his points came on the power play (1g,2a). O'Marra missed 2 games in January while away with Team Canada at the WJC's: 1/6 at Plymouth and 1/7 vs. London. He missed a total of 9 games while away at the WJC's and their evaluation camp. In his first game back O'Marra scored a goal in Saginaw's 7-2 loss vs. Plymouth on Jan. 12th. He had a 3 game personal point scoring streak sandwiched around the WJC's in which he went 2-2-4 from Dec. 2nd to Jan. 12th. After 3 scoreless games, O'Marra began a current 5 game point scoring streak from Jan. 20th to Jan. 28th in which he went 3-5-8. On Jan. 26th he recorded the game-winning goal in win vs. Oshawa. The next night, Jan. 27th, O'Marra assisted on the game-winning goal in a 5-4 win vs. Windsor. On Jan. 31st, he played for the OHL Western Conference All-Star Team and was a -5 in a 13-9 loss to the Eastern Conference. The game was played at the Dow Center in Saginaw. The East also won the Skills Competition 15-13 with O'Marra recording a goal in the 3 on 3 game. O'Marra had three multiple point games in January, including one multiple goal game (2 goals Jan. 26th). Saginaw posted a record of 5-6-0 in January.

January 1, 2007: Ryan O'Marra went 1-2-3 in 3 games played with the Saginaw Spirit in the month of December. He was a -4 in those 3 games and he recorded 2 points, a goal and an assist, on the power play. O'Marra scored the game-winning goal in Saginaw's 6-2 win vs. the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Dec. 8th. That was his last game before leaving for Canada's World Junior selection camp. While away at the 2007 World Junior Championship's in Sweden, O'Marra missed 7 games with Saginaw in December: 12/10 at Sault Ste. Marie, 12/15 at Kitchener, 12/16 at Erie, 12/17 at Oshawa, 12/28 vs. Sault Ste. Marie, 12/29 at Windsor and 12/30 vs. Kitchener. WJC's: Ryan O'Marra won his second straight Gold Medal at the WJC's and helped Canada win their third straight Gold. Team Canada went undefeated for the second straight year. O'Marra played well defensively but only recorded 2 assists in the tournament while playing predominantly on the second line with Jonathan Toews and Saginaw teammate Tom Pyatt. Canada defeated Russia 4-2 in the Gold Medal game on Jan. 5th. O'Marra recorded an assist in the win. His other assist came in Canada's first game of the tournament against Sweden.

December 1, 2006: Ryan O'Marra went 4-2-6 in 7 games played during the month of November. After missing 7 straight games which included the first 5 in November due to a sore leg from his summer injury, O'Marra returned to the OHL Erie Otters' lineup on Nov. 16th. His next 3 games would be his last with the Otters and from Nov. 16th to 18th he had a three game point scoring streak in which he went 2-2-4. On November 22nd O'Marra was traded to a contending team in Saginaw for Spirit 2005 first round draft pick Zack Torquato. Ryan made his Spirit debut later that night. On Nov. 24th he recorded his first goal as a member of Saginaw in a 4-3 shootout win at the London Knights. O'Marra's goal was the first of the game. Later in that contest he fought London defenseman Ryan Martinelli. He went 0/1 in the shootout as well. Ryan scored the game winning goal a night later on Nov. 25th in Saginaw's 2-1 win vs. the Owen Sound Attack. On the downside, he was a -8 on the month of November. On December 4th, O'Marra was one of 38 players invited to Canada's World Junior Camp to be evaluated for the upcoming WJC's which will be taking place from December 26, 2006 through January 5, 2007 in Mora and Leksand, Sweden. O'Marra is a returning player from last year, as he helped Brent Sutter's Team Canada take their second straight championship in January 2006. Ryan recently played in game 2 of the OHL vs. the Russian Selects in the 2006 ADT Canada/Russia Challenge and he was named the star of the game.

Video - Ryan O'Marra & Team OHL defeat Russian Selects 4-3; Very heated Match!

November 1, 2006: Ryan O'Marra missed the Islanders training camp in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia after breaking his ankle this past summer doing wind thrusts. He was returned in late September to the Erie Otters of the OHL. O'Marra missed the Otters first 4 games of the regular season in September as he continued to rehab his ankle. He returned to the lineup on October 4th. O'Marra recorded an assist in his first game back, a 5-4 shootout loss vs. the Kitchener Rangers. Ryan began the season with a 3 game point scoring streak from October 4th to 7th in which he went 2-2-4.  On October 13th O'Marra scored the game tying goal vs. the Plymouth Whalers and the Otters went on to win the game 3-2. He scored a shootout goal on October 20th to help Erie to a 7-6 win at the Oshawa Generals. O'Marra went 1 for 2 in the shootout during the month of October. Two of his 6 goals came on the power play. He recorded 10 points in 10 games played during the month of October. O'Marra missed the last two games of the month on October 27th and 28th due to injury. For the second straight year Ryan has been invited to participate for the OHL all stars in the 2006 ADT Canada Russia Challenge games which will be held in Sarnia on November 23rd and Oshawa on November 27th. In 2005 O'Marra played in one game for the OHL and recorded an assist in a 5-1 win. 

2006-07 Highlights

* Named third star with 2 goals (1 PP) and an assist in 7-5 loss at Toronto St. Michael's Majors 10/15/06.
* Named first star with a goal & an assist in 4-3 Team OHL win vs. Russian Selects 11/27/06 ADT Chal.
* Named first star with 2 goals (GW) in 5-4 win vs. Oshawa Generals January 26, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal & an assist in 6-2 win vs. Kingston Frontenacs February 18, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal in 3-2 win vs. Belleville Bulls February 24, 2007.
* Named second star with a goal (PP) & an assist in 4-1 win at Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2/28/07.

NYI ACQUIRE ALL-STAR RYAN SMYTH
newyorkislanders.com, Feb. 27, 2007

Ryan Smyth, the NHL All-Star, known as Captain Canada to fans and media north of the border, is now a member of the New York Islanders.

The Islanders  acquired  Smyth from the Edmonton Oilers  this afternoon for prospect forwards Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson and a 2007 first round draft selection.  In 53 games this season with the Oilers this season, the 6-1, 190-pound wing has 31 goals  and 22 assists.

"Ryan Smyth is a premier NHL player," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "The New York Islanders are proud to have Ryan become a member of our organization."

Smyth has played in 770  regular season NHL games over his 12-year career, all with the Oilers. He has recorded 265 goals and 284 assists for 549 points. Last season, Smyth played in 24  playoff games for the Oilers during their run to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals and recorded seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. Smyth joins recent additions Marc-Andre Bergeron, a recent teammate of Smyth's in Edmonton, and Richard Zednik.

"We created some flexibility earlier in the season with a pair of trades and we said our goal was to be buyers," said Snow. "We kept this team together and added Ryan Smith, Bergeron and Zednik without taking anyone off the team."

Smyth represented the Oilers at the All-Star Game in Dallas last month and won a Gold Medal with Canada at 2002 Winter Olympic Games. In his international career, Smyth has represented Canada at seven World Championships, at the 2005 World Cup of Hockey and also at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He was also named to the WHL's 1994-95 East Second All-Star Team. Smyth was originally drafted by Edmonton in the first round, sixth overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

Nilsson was drafted by the Islanders in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He  has spent the entire 2006-07 season n Bridgeport (AHL) and played in 53  NHL  games last season ,  scoring six goals with 14 assists for 20 points. O'Marra was taken by the  Islanders in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and is currently with Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League .

"I know the coaching staff and the players in our room are exhilerated by the news of us getting Ryan Smyth," Islnders coach Ted Nolan told reporters prior to tonight's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. "We believe in our team. You could say the players earned this through their hard work since the beginning of camp. We owed it to them to field the best team we could for the playoff push. I can't tell you how happy I am to be part of a team where you have an owner like Charles Wang who does everything he can to bring a Stanley Cup to Long Island. And I give a lot of high marks to Garth Snow for making an unbelieveable deal.

"You always have to give to get," continued Nolan, "and we definitely said goodbye today to a pair of great kids in Robert and Ryan. I have a lot of respect for both of them and will be rooting for them as they continue their careers in Edmonton. We feel fortunate to have Ryan Smyth in our lineup and the Oilers can say the same about Robert and Ryan."

Oilers obtain Nilsson and O'Marra
edmontonoilers.com, Feb. 27, 2007

The Edmonton Oilers have traded veteran Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders in exchange for right wing Robert Nilsson, centre Ryan O’Marra and the Islanders’ first round choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Both Nilsson and O’Marra are first round draft choices of the Islanders, being selected 15th overall in the 2003 and 2005 NHL Entry Drafts, respectively.

With the addition of the Islanders’ first round choice, the Oilers now have three first round selections in the upcoming 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Following today’s trade, Oilers General Manager, Kevin Lowe said “I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial. The CBA we operate with in the NHL today means you need to have a sound hockey strategy and stick to it. Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan.

Our decision is about the direction we want to take and the opportunities we have today and tomorrow with the brilliant young players we have acquired and those we have in the organization. I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future.

I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community.”

Oilers President and Chief Executive Officer, Patrick LaForge added “While on the one hand some Oilers fans might be distressed that this trade was made today, I want those same fans to be assured that the Oilers will use these excellent young players and our own deep pool of young talent in a new plan for this team. We can afford to spend the money necessary to have the kind of elite players expected. This was about the Oilers staying true to a plan. I know our hockey strategy is sound.”

Nilsson, currently in his second pro season, leads the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in scoring with 12-33-45 in 50 American Hockey League games and has 34 penalty minutes this season. He tops the Islanders affiliate in assists and is fifth in goals. The 5’11”, 185 pound forward made his professional debut in 2005-06, splitting the season between the Islanders and Bridgeport. He scored 6-14-20 with 26 PIM in 53 games with New York in his NHL rookie season.

The 22-year-old played three seasons in Europe with Lkesands, Hammarby and and Djurgardens IF in Sweden and Fribourg-Gotteronn of Switzerland.

O’Marra is in his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League and has scored 21-18-39 with 63 penalty minutes in 39 games with the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters. The 6’2”, 207 pound centre, who was born in Tokyo, Japan began the season with Erie and scored 8-6-14 in 13 games for the Otters before joining Saginaw. He has sascored 13-12-25 in 26 games for the Spirit.

He is a double gold medalist with the Canadian National Junior Team, winning the gold medal at the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships.

In his four OHL seasons, the 19-year-old has scored at almost a point-per-game pace with 89-122-211 in 227 career games and has 290 penalty minutes. He has added another 15 points with nine goals and six assists in 15 playoff games.

Following the end of Erie’s season in 2005-06, O’Marra made his pro debut, playing eight games with Bridgeport. He scored 4-1-5 in his eight regular season games and added one assist in three AHL playoff games.

Oilers trade forward Smyth to Islanders
CP/TSN.ca, Feb. 27, 2007

Unable to reach a long-term deal with their heart-and-soul player, the Edmonton Oilers instead traded Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders for prospects Ryan O'Marra and Robert Nilsson and the Islanders' first-round pick in 2007.

"Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan," said general manager Kevin Lowe. "I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial."  

The two-year, $7 million US contract Smyth signed in 2005 expires after this season, when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. 

"I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future," explained Lowe.

"I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community," said Lowe.

Oilers President and CEO, Patrick LaForge asked that fans remain objective when considering the deal, "while on the one hand some Oilers fans might be distressed that this trade was made today, I want those same fans to be assured that the Oilers will use these excellent young players and our own deep pool of young talent in a new plan for this team."

"This was about the Oilers staying true to a plan. I know our hockey strategy is sound," said LaForge.

The move came as a surprise to many of Smyth's long-time teammates.

"It's shocking," said Oilers captain Jason Smith. "Being a teammate of Ryan's for numerous years and knowing what a great competitor he is, obviously that is someone you don't want to see leave your team."

Added defenceman Steve Staios: "I kind of kidded with Smitty a little bit about it as teammates do but I never expected it to happen. It's pretty shocking. It's tough to lose a teammate you have had for that long and that has meant that much to our team."

It remains possible that Smyth could re-sign with the Oilers in the summer – assuming today's trade didn't sour his thoughts on the prospect of a return. 

And, of course, the Oilers would still have to meet his asking price.

Smyth has been a cornerstone of the Oilers franchise since Edmonton selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1994 draft. 

He has scored 265 goals in 770 career games with Edmonton, topping 20 goals eight times.

Smyth is often dubbed Captain Canada because he has represented his country on the ice so many times at the world Championship tournament.  He also won gold with Team Canada at the 2002 Olympics.

Oilers fail to work out deal with hometown favorite R. Smyth
AP, Feb. 27, 2007

EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Edmonton Oilers couldn't reach a new deal with Ryan Smyth so they dealt the star forward to the New York Islanders just before Tuesday's NHL trade deadline.

The Oilers received prospects Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra -- both first-round draft picks -- and a first-round selection in this year's draft for Smyth.

Smyth's agent Don Meehan said that he and the Oilers talked over the last 24 hours but couldn't get a deal done.

"I'm surprised actually given what Ryan is to the community and what he has been to the franchise," Meehan said. "But I understand that with all due respect they have the ability to make these decisions and that's what management has to do in these circumstances."

Smyth, 31, is making $3.5 million this season and is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, meaning the Oilers were at risk of losing him for nothing in the offseason. It's believed he had been hoping for a long-term deal with the Oilers worth at least $5 million a season.

"I think we had a different view in relation to where we felt Ryan was at, in relation to the industry given what transpired this past summer with free agency and the people that would be available this summer in relation to free agency," Meehan said. "So I think we felt strongly in that position."

Smyth led the Oilers in scoring this season with 31 goals and 22 assists in 53 games. But the Oilers are facing long odds to reach the playoffs. Heading into Tuesday's game against Phoenix, they trailed the Calgary Flames by nine points for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

New York sat in ninth place in the East at the start of play Tuesday, one point behind Carolina and the playoff cutoff.

"Ryan Smyth is a premier NHL player," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. "The New York Islanders are proud to have Ryan become a member of our organization."

It was the only deal Tuesday for the Islanders, who kept leading scorer Jason Blake despite the possibility that he can be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Smyth didn't have the look of a player that was about to be dealt during the pregame skate in the morning.

He skated hard through drills and joked with his teammates. While taking off his equipment, he carefully examined a white board outlining the schedule for Mark Messier's number retirement ceremony later Tuesday.

It is arguably the biggest trade the Oilers have made since sending Messier to the New York Rangers in 1991. While they dealt players like Doug Weight and Jason Arnott after that, neither player was beloved like Smyth in Edmonton.

A native of nearby Banff, Smyth was drafted by the Oilers sixth overall in 1994 and had spent his entire career with the team.

"I think Ryan offers a lot to a franchise, I think he offers a great deal to any competitive team within the league," Meehan. "Yes, there was a degree of compromise and I'll convey to you that both sides compromised throughout this process but not to the degree where we both felt comfortable that we could come to a deal."

Nilsson was the Islanders' first-round pick in 2003. He's recorded 12 goals and 33 assists in 50 games with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

O'Marra, who has won back-to-back gold medals for Canada at the world junior hockey championship, is currently playing for the OHL's Erie Otters. He was New York's first-round pick in 2005.

SAGINAW, Mich. (CP) - Ryan O'Marra scored twice, including the winner at 1:44 in the third period, as the Saginaw Spirit squeaked past the Oshawa Generals 5-4 in Ontario Hockey League action Friday.

Ryan McDonough, Ryan Berard and Tomas Zaborsky added a goal apiece for the Spirit (28-17-0-2).

John Tavares had two goals for Oshawa (23-18-1-4), while Cal Clutterbuck and Brett Parnham both had one.

Marc-Andre Perron made 23 saves for the win, while Loic Lacasse stopped 29 shots at the other end.

More from saginawspirit.com:

The second period saw back and forth goals from each squad. It began with another quick Saginaw goal. The Spirit took advantage of an Oshawa penalty as center Ryan McDonough scored on the power play at the 3:07 mark. The goal was assisted by Asselin and Mitch Maunu. The Generals countered shortly thereafter with a goal from John Tavares at the 5:21 mark, assisted by forwards Igor Gongalsky and Mitchell. Oshawa couldn’t keep the momentum on its side for long when Oshawa took a penalty just over two minutes later that resulted in a Spirit power play goal from forward Tomas Zaborsky (NYR ’06) at the 8:39 mark. The go ahead goal was assisted by Tyler Haskins and Nigel Williams (COL ’06). Penalties continued to play a vital role in the game as the Generals took little time in tying up the score on a power play goal from forward Cal Clutterbuck at 11:11 of the period. Tavares and forward Brett MacLean assisted on the equalizer. Just as the Oshawa fans settled back into their seats, the Spirit took the lead back for the fourth time in the game with a Ryan O’Marra goal at 12:47. Williams and forward Jan Mursak (DET ’06) assisted on the final goal of an action-filled period.

Saginaw’s scoring stride carried into the third period where the Spirit pulled away from the visiting Generals. Saginaw’s O’Marra didn’t wait long to score his second goal of the game off an odd man rush. Forward Tom Pyatt (NYR ’05) and defenseman Nick Crawford assisted on the insurance goal that gave Saginaw a 5-3 lead at 1:44 of the final stanza. Oshawa rounded out the scoring with another Tavares goal at 18:16 of the third period that made Spirit fans sweat a bit, but it wasn’t enough as Saginaw hung on for a 5-4 win. Defenseman Trevor Koverko and Clutterbuck assisted on the goal.

Three Spirit Selected to All-Star Game in Saginaw
saginawspirit.com, Jan. 16, 2007

( Saginaw , MI )  The Ontario Hockey League announced today the roster for the 2007 OHL All-Star Classic to be held in Saginaw , Michigan on January 30th and 31st.  Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill, forward Tom Pyatt and forward Ryan O’Marra have been selected to represent the OHL Western Conference in the event.  All three played in the 2006 All-Star Classic; Pyatt was named the MVP of the Western Conference.

You didn't have to explain to Mississauga's Ryan O'Marra the significance of Friday's game versus Russia at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships.

Having been a part of last year's Team Canada squad that blanked the Russians 5-0 to capture gold in Vancouver, O'Marra needed no motivational speech to get his emotions boiling prior to the drop of the puck. The big forward, born in Tokyo but raised in Mississauga, and Team Canada went on to defeat Russia 4-2 in the championship game in Leksand, Sweden.

"There's no love lost between our two countries," O'Marra told The News from his parent's home in Clarkson this morning after celebrating the win with hometown friends. "We've all seen what a great rivalry it's become. This year, we went to Europe to defend the gold both as a team and as a country. And, for the second year in a row, we did it. It's just an amazing feeling."

O'Marra, who had struggled to find his offensive touch with just one assist in the first five games, assisted on Canada's first goal by Andrew Cogliano at the 15:35 minute mark of the first period. Despite the early point, O'Marra said the only relief he felt was that the team was up by a goal.

Putting the team ahead of the individual, just like last year's squad, was what made this year's edition just as successful, said O'Marra.

"We headed in with the exact same mentality as last year," said O'Marra. "We all bought into a team role and that's what brought us success. For me, I tried to be a physical presence and create space (for smaller and skilled players such as Cogliano)."

Canada built a 4-0 lead in the gold-medal game before Russia clawed its way back with two power play goals.

Meanwhile, O'Marra related what it felt like to watch from the bench as the semi-final game against the USA, which Canada won, was decided by a shoot-out.

"I felt sick to my stomach watching it," said O'Marra. "It was an emotional roller-coaster. So many times we thought we were going to win it, only to have it go another round."

The 19-year-old O'Marra is no stranger to international hockey having played on the Canadian under-18 national team that finished with a silver medal at the 2005 under-18 World Championship in Plzen, Czech Republic.

Drafted by the National Hockey League's New York Islanders in the first round of the 2005 NHL entry draft, O'Marra is currently playing for the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit.

Meanwhile, O'Marra's father Peter and mother Janet made the trip to Sweden to cheer for their son. Janet was thrilled with her son's accomplishment when contacted by The News.

"This year seemed to be a closer, more personal reward (over the previous year when the tournament was won in Canada)," said Janet. "I know the boys weren't curing cancer or anything like that but it's a great feeling to watch them win."

O'Marra and team-mates Ryan Parent, Cogliano, Steve Downie, James Neal and Sam Gagner were all honoured with a presentation last night at the Air Canada Centre prior to the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Canada has now won three consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championships.

Canada's WJC's Camp Roster Bio
December 6, 2006

HOCKEY CANADA PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE BACKGROUND
Attended Canada’s National Junior Team Development Camp in July 2006 in Calgary … Won a gold medal with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship in British Columbia … Was an alternate captain on Canada’s gold medal Under-18 summer team at the 2004 Junior World Cup in the Czech Republic … Won a gold medal with Team Ontario at the 2004 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in St. John’s, NL

CHL AND MINOR HOCKEY BACKGROUND
Erie’s 1st round selection, 4th overall, in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection Draft … 2006-07: Traded to Saginaw Spirit, November 23rd, 2006 … Named to Team OHL for the 2006 CHL Canada/Russia Challenge …2005-06: An alternate captain with Erie … Erie’s Scholastic Player of the Year … Joined the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the end of the OHL season, registering four goals in eight regular-season games … Led Erie with 50 assists and finished 2nd in team scoring with 77 points … 2004-05: An alternate captain with Erie … Led the Otters in playoffs scoring with four goals and five points in six games … Finished first on the the team in assists (38) and second in points (63) … Played in the 2005 CHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver, BC … 2003-04: Rookie season in the OHL with the Erie Otters leading the team in rookie goals (16) and second in points (32) … OHL Player of the Week in the playoffs, scoring 3 goals, 4 assists, for 7 points in 3 games vs. Sarnia … Minor hockey: Won the 2003 Carnation Cup with the Mississauga Senators in Midget AAA … Scored 111 points in 76 games in Midget AAA in 2002-03 … Won an Esso Medal of Achievement with Erindale in 1993 for Most Dedicated Player …

PERSONAL
Born in Tokyo, Japan … Son of Peter and Janet … Has two sisters, Laura and Jaclyn …Father, Peter, was a professional water-skier and played professional hockey with Milan Agro in Italy … Favourite NHL Team growing up: Toronto Maple Leafs … Assists with the Shriners Children’s Hospital and the Skating Assisting the Blind and Handicapped (SABAH).

Three Spirit Players Try-out for Canada’s World Juniors Squad
saginawspirit.com, Dec. 4, 2006

Saginaw Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill, forward Tom Pyatt and forward Ryan O’Marra have been invited to the Team Canada World Junior’s selection camp.  The selection camp will determine which players are chosen to represent Canada at the 2007 IIHF World U-20 Championships to be held from December 26, 2006 to January 5, 2007 in Sweden .

“As an organization we are all proud of these three men and wish them the best of luck at the Selection Camp”, stated Spirit General Manager and Head Coach Bob Mancini.

Forward Ryan O’Marra is a recent addition to the team, coming to the Spirit in a November 2006 trade from the Erie Otters.  The native of Mississauga , Ontario participated in the 2006 OHL All-Star Classic and last year’s World Junior’s Championship with the gold medal winning Team Canada .  O’Marra was named the Player of the Game for Team OHL in the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge, where he notched the opening goal and an assist on the game winning goal.  He is drafted by the New York Islanders in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The World Junior’s Championship is an annual competition that pits the best junior hockey players in the world against each other in a series of tournaments.  Team Canada will play against teams from the United States , Belarus , Finland , Germany , Russia , Slovakia , Switzerland and the Czech Republic .

O'Marra keeping his spirit high
by Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun, Dec. 1, 2006

Ryan O'Marra hasn't looked skyward to see if the hockey gods are trying to send a message.

But the Mississauga native could not be blamed for taking a peek.

The 19-year-old now is focused on trying to help the Saginaw Spirit win its first Ontario Hockey League title, but the path that led to such a goal has had a few bumps.

While training in August at the Erindale campus of the University of Toronto, O'Marra slipped and broke a fibula.

A first-round pick of the New York Islanders in 2005, O'Marra missed all of training camp.

Then, while with the Erie Otters before a trade sent him to Saginaw, O'Marra rushed back into the lineup and played 10 games before his sore leg told him to rest.

On Nov. 22 he was dealt to Saginaw. While driving to the home rink of his new club, O'Marra was involved in a multiple-car accident in Michigan.

"Two cars swerved right in front of me and I was angled right into the guardrail," O'Marra said. "I was pretty shaken up. It could have been worse."

As for his broken leg and missing Islanders camp, O'Marra was philosophical.

"It was difficult, and I try not to think too much about it," O'Marra said. "I want to do something with Saginaw that will help my career long-term, as opposed to maybe making the jump (to the NHL) and not getting much ice time.

"Chances are I would have been (in the OHL) anyway."

O'Marra has some other business later this month as is one of 11 returning players who will be competing for a spot on Canada's junior team. Selection camp begins Dec. 10 in Calgary.

"I know how I have to play," the 6-foot-2, 200-pound centre said. "I want to be (on the team) and I should be there."

Spirit Power Team OHL win over Russia, 4-3
saginawspirit.com, Nov. 27, 2006

( Oshawa , ON ) Three Saginaw Spirit players helped Canada ’s Team OHL secure a 4-3 win over Russia in the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge tonight in> Oshawa , Ontario .

Spirit forward Ryan O’Marra (NYI 05) scored the first goal for Team OHL during the first period, assisted by Spirit forward Tom Pyatt (NYR 05) and Ottawa 67’s forward Logan Couture.  Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill (WSH 05) finished the period with a goal scored on the power play, assisted by Oshawa Generals’ forward John Tavares and London Knights’ forward Sam Gagner.  O’Marra later earned an assist on the game winning goal from Barrie Colts' forward Brian Little during the third period.  Sudbury Wolves' defenseman Marc Staal also assisted on the goal.

Ryan O’Marra’s two point game earned him Team OHL’s player of the game honors.

All three Saginaw players are expected to re-join their Spirit teammates for the Thursday night home game against the Kitchener Rangers.

Three Spirit Represent Canada in ADT Challenge Tonight
saginawspirit.com, Nov. 27, 2006

( Oshawa , ON ) Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill, forward Tom Pyatt and forward Ryan O’Marra were recently named to the OHL roster for the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. The game will be played tonight in Oshawa , ON at 7:00 PM. All three players participated in last years ADT Challenge (O’Marra representing Erie ).

“We are very excited for Patrick, Tom, and Ryan”, stated Spirit General Manager and Head Coach Bob Mancini, “All three are very deserving of this opportunity”.

Ryan O’Marra will join Pyatt on offense during tonight’s game. The Mississauga , ON native earned a gold medal playing for Team Canada in the 2006 World Junior Tournament and participated in the 2006 OHL All Star Classic.  The New York Islanders pick (2005) was recently acquired by the Spirit in a trade with the Erie Otters this November.  This season O’Marra has 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 games played; two of those goals were scored in his first three games in Spirit uniform.

The ADT Canada Russia Challenge is a yearly event that plays an important role in the selection process of the Team Canada roster for the World Junior Championship. The Challenge is played twice in the QMJHL, the WHL, and the OHL.  Sarnia and Oshawa were chosen as the Ontario Hockey League’s host cities.

Spirit Add Top Erie Forward O’Marra – Torquato Head to Otters
saginawspirit.com, Nov. 22, 2006

The Saginaw Spirit have acquired forward Ryan O’Marra from the Erie Otters, in a trade that sends Spirit 2005 first round draft pick Zack Torquato to Erie.

“This is a deal that benefits both teams, and both players”, said SpiritHead Coach and General Manager Bob Mancini. In Ryan O'Marra, we acquire one of the top experienced forwards in the Ontario Hockey League, and Zack gets a chance to showcase his talent with a young and talented Erie team in his NHL draft year. On behalf of the entire Spirit organization, I want to thank Zack for his time in Saginaw and wish him the best of luck in his OHL career and beyond.”

O’Marra was a 1st round pick, 4th overall in the 2003 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection and 1st round pick, 15th overall in the 2005 NHL draft by the New York Islanders. He was named to the OHL Team for the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. The 19 year old native of Mississauga, Ontario is expected to join the Spirit for tonight’s game.

Ryan O’Marra:

DOB: 6/9/1987 (19 years old)

Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Home: Mississauga, Ontario

O'Marra Sent to Spirit
ottershockey.com, Nov. 22, 2006

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced today that they have traded Ryan O'Marra to the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for Zack Torquato (pictured) as well as a second round pick and a fourth round pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.

The deal was officially approved by the OHL this morning.

Torquato, selected third overall in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection, is in his second OHL season with the Spirit. In 22 games this season the 17 year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario had 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. In 87 career OHL games the 6-foot forward collected 29 goals and 31 assists for 60 points.

Torquato, who was listed 13th in the OHL in the recently released National Hockey League Central Scouting Preliminary Rankings for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is scheduled to make his Otters debut Thursday night at the Tullio Arena against the Belleville Bulls.

O'Marra was in his fourth season with the Otters and second as team captain. In limited action due to injury this season the 19 year-old forward collected eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 13 games. In his Otters career the Mississauga, Ontario native registered 76 goals and 110 assists for 186 points in 201 games.

O'Marra is expected to make is Spirit debut tonight in Saginaw against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

from nyi.com: "(Erie) is a great place to play. It's a great group of kids, a great foundation for the future," said O'Marra. "Hopefully I've rubbed off on them for the future. I wish that Erie could be in the situation that Saginaw is in now. I look forward to making a run at the Memorial Cup with Saginaw."

Ryan O'Marra at his first Isles camp in 2005

O'Marra Makes the Grade
ottershockey.com, Oct. 24, 2006

SARNIA, Ont. - The Ontario Hockey League in conjunction with the Canadian Hockey League announced today the Erie Otters forward Ryan O'Marra was among the 32 Canadian-born OHL players that have been invited to participate in the 2006 ADT Canada Russia Challenge games being held in Sarnia on November 23rd and Oshawa on November 27th.

O'Marra, a first round choice of the New York Islanders in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, is sixth in Otters scoring with six goals and four assists for 10 points in 10 games.

The OHL team includes O'Marra, Steve Downie (Peterborough Petes), Marc Staal (Sudbury Wolves), Ryan Parent (Guelph Storm) and Tom Pyatt (Saginaw Spirit) who all helped Canada win a gold medal at the World Junior Championships in January. Team OHL also includes 12 players who were invited to the Canadian National Junior Team Summer Evaluation Camp.

"We are looking forward to watching many of the brightest stars in the Ontario Hockey League compete in this prestigious series," said OHL Commissioner David Branch. "With the assurance from the Russian Federation that they will send their National Junior team to the ADT Canada Russia Challenge this year, the spotlight will be even brighter on the series as all the players announced today vie for a position on Team Canada."

The ADT Canada Russia Challenge features a team of CHL All-Stars that play against the Russian National Junior team. The ADT Canada Russia Challenge plays an important role in the selection process of Canada's National Junior Team. A selection committee made up of OHL General Managers Allan Millar (Sarnia Sting) and Jeff Twohey (Peterborough Petes) along with Jim Hammett, Hockey Canada's head scout for the Canadian National Junior Team, has selected the 22-player roster for each of the OHL's site game.

O'Marra Returns vs. Rangers
ottershockey.com, Oct. 3, 2006

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced this afternoon that Ryan O'Marra has received medical clearance and is scheduled to be in the line-up tomorrow (Wednesday) night when the Otters face off against the Kitchener Rangers at 7:30 p.m. at the Tullio Arena.

O'Marra, selected 15th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft, has been sidelined since August after suffering a broken ankle during off-season workouts. He rejoined the Otters on September 25th after spending nearly two weeks rehabbing at the Islanders Training Camp. Today represents the one-week mark since the Otters captain returned to the ice.

O'Marra finished second in Otters scoring in 2005-06 posting career highs in every offensive category. He finished his third OHL season with 27 goals and 50 assists for 77 points in 61 games. In 188 career games with the Otters O'Marra has 68 goals and 104 assists for 172 points.

O'Marra Sent Back to Otters
ottershockey.com, Sept. 25, 2006

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced today that Ryan O'Marra has been reassigned to the team from the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League.

The Otters captain is scheduled to arrive in Erie tomorrow. He is also scheduled to skate Tuesday at the Tullio Arena, the first time he has been on the ice since fracturing his ankle during off-season workouts. A date for his return to game action has not been determined.

The 19 year-old Mississauga, Ontario native has been rehabilitating his injury with the Islanders since the beginning of the NHL team's training camp on September 15th.

O'Marra finished second in Otters scoring in 2005-06 posting career highs in every offensive category. He finished his third OHL season with 27 goals and 50 assists for 77 points in 61 games. In 188 career games with the Otters O'Marra has 68 goals and 104 assists for 172 points.

Broken ankle hurts O'Marra's NHL bid
by Gary McCarthy - Mississauga.com - Sept. 3, 2006

Mississauga native Ryan O'Marra was looking forward to training camp with a decent shot at playing this season with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League.

But an accident a couple of weeks ago in Mississauga is going to keep him off skates until the end of this month, which means he'll probably be back with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League this season.

"It was just freakie," O'Marra said Saturday night as he hobbled around on crutches and wearing a boot cast shortly after arriving at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena in New York for a pre-season game between the Otters and the Mississauga IceDogs.

"I was doing wind sprints on a grass field that I'd been running on all year (at the University of Toronto Mississauga) and I just rolled it," added the six-foot-two, 190-pound centre. "It was weird."

The diagnosis by doctors at St. Michael's hospital in Toronto was a fracture to his lower ankle and, by his own schedule, O'Marra won't be able to skate much before the end of September. He will see his doctors in Toronto on Sept. 11 and then travel to the Islanders' camp the next day.

But the 19-year-old doesn't expect to be around the New York camp for long before he heads back to Toronto for more rehabilitation and then gets ready to join the Otters.

There is never a good time for this type of injury but it definitely came at an inopportune time for O'Marra, who stood a good chance of landing a spot with the Islanders this season.

"I think this year's camp would have been a good opportunity for me," he said.

O'Marra was New York's first pick (15th over-all) in the 2005 NHL entry draft.

He played with the Canadian junior team that won the world championship last January in Vancouver, beating Russia in the final.

At the end of last season and with Erie out of the OHL playoffs, the Islanders sent him to their American Hockey League farm team in Bridgeport, Conn., where he scored four goals and added an assist in eight games.

In three seasons with the Otters, he has 68 goals and 172 points.

NYI FUTURE WATCH: Ryan O'Marra
2005 First Round Pick
by Jason Lockhart, nyi.com, July 22, 2006